A friend in the living history world has a problem with his Navy Arms 1863 Springfield (I believe Miroku). He has had it for a couple decades, and it appears the hammer is a bit soft and has rounded out a bit around the tumbler. Tumbler is still square, but the inside of the hammer is rounded. He asked me to find a replacement because I have basic 'smithing experience. I have never worked on any variation of an 1863 (repro or original), so I wanted to ask you guys about it.
At first I wondered about welding it up and cutting it, but that would require precise angles and distances and more work than I would really like to do (and I am already iffy about the hardness with how rounded it is). He said he would be fine if I simply replaced the hammer. Does anyone know where I can find a replacement hammer for this particular gun?
I appreciate any help you all can give me.
(Note: I am doing this for free--he's just going to pay for the hammer and probably feed me or something.)
At first I wondered about welding it up and cutting it, but that would require precise angles and distances and more work than I would really like to do (and I am already iffy about the hardness with how rounded it is). He said he would be fine if I simply replaced the hammer. Does anyone know where I can find a replacement hammer for this particular gun?
I appreciate any help you all can give me.
(Note: I am doing this for free--he's just going to pay for the hammer and probably feed me or something.)